Denied SSDI for the 4th time.

This Veteran's Day, I received gut-wrenching news. I was turned down at the Federal Level for my SSDI.

The Facts: I have what is called an ascending and descending dissection of my aorta. It is what killed John Ritter. To put it as simply as possible. Think of your aorta as a garden hose. That hose is actually layers of different type of hosing/tubing.A hose can have an inner thick rubber layer, a middle insulating layer and the outer weather protection. What happened to me, is one of two scenarios. Its a chicken/egg scenario. Either a section... could be just a few centimeters... will POOF out suddenly. It could have happened weeks before my catastrophic event. I probably wouldn't have even noticed it. Oftentimes it doesn't feel like much more than tweaking your back. That created a weak point, as the "hose" is stretched out and thin. This is called an aneurysm.

The other scenario of which came first is the tear. We do know the tear did happen that night in 2009 and its forever altered my life. We know where it started. At my aortic arch. It is the point of the greatest pressure in the aorta, as it makes a BIG bend there. So either my aorta went POOF and started to tear, or it started to tear and went POOF along the way... THREE TIMES. Yes, the tear continued up and down the entire length of my aorta. It tore straight up BOTH of my carotid arteries. It continued down to the branches off to both my kidneys. The tear continues past my kidneys and stops just short of the femoral artery, in my right leg.

The only place they were able to repair? A 6cm section at the aortic arch. It took 13 hours in surgery , to repair SIX CENTIMETERS.

The rest can't be repaired. I have been told multiple times, by every kind of specialist... they can't open me back up. The damage is too "severe" and it will kill me, to open me up. A board of UCLA neuro/cardio surgeons, radiologist, gave me the medical opinion of "Sometimes shitty things happen to good people", because they didn't have anything else to tell me, besides, "I don't understand how you're still alive ?" and "I haven't ever seen anything like this.". Seriously. These were surgeons with 20+ years in their fields. The heads of their respective departments, at UCLA.

The odds say, its only a 3% survival chance. The looks I get from EVERY physician I encounter, tells me mine were less than that. My common greeting from doctors is, "you shouldn't be here". What I've discovered, dealing with the medical community and government bureaucracy is, maybe they're right. I'm NOT supposed to be here.

But I am. I'm not going away. I survived something I shouldn't have. I live with the reality that any second, moreso than 99% of the population, I could drop dead, typing this wor...

Ha ha. Trust me, humor, even dark... is comfort at times.

Because of this carnage in my chest, my blood pressure must be kept BELOW 110/70. 120/80, is considered Condition Yellow for me. 140/90... well. We don't want to go there. The reason for this, is pretty simple. Increased pressure, causes shearing on the tear, traversing the entire length of my aorta INCLUDING two aneurysms, along the way. As the dissection/tear, traverses in a spiral direction around the inside, shearing will cause further tearing of the aorta. The only outcome in that case, is death.

I am one of those people that my system adjusts and builds tolerances to meds, rather quickly. In the 3 years since this incident, my meds have been adjusted no fewer than at least a dozen times. My lowest recorded BP, was 63/36. It can be that low and 3 hours later, easily be 115/78... up over that safety net. Its damned if I do and damned if I don't, basically.

I suffer frequent spells of vertigo. Just standing up, can trigger it. Other times, it just comes. I've encountered syncope (fainting) more than a few times. I get frequent visual disturbances, that cause my vision either to blur and difficulty focusing, or the darkness will start in my peripheral vision and start closing in.

Given ALL these circumstances and medical restrictions... a court appointed Job Analyst, found that I was unqualified to do ANY work. Besides, the fact... who is going to take on my liability?

But the judge, who gave my medical records to an INTERN. Found that I should be able to do some type of menial labor. Oh really? What, exactly? Given my medical reality, does it look like I should be in the work force?

Federal Guidelines (section 4.10) specifically states that ANY aneurysm, is automatic 100%disabled. I have TWO!

How the Hell can the Federal Government continue to deny me the benefits, I served my country for, I paid into all these years? I was there when my country needed me. Where is my country, when I need them?

I don't know how much fight I have left. I have tried my congressman and the VA. Both say, I have to go thru this district court appeal. WHY!!!???

Why can't anyone tell me, if the guidelines state to give it to me... why is it being withheld?

It's being withheld because the country is run by profiteers and the system will fight tooth and nail to keep every cent it has. God damn it this story makes me so mad. You don't deserve any of this.

You need a lawyer. You need to fight back; and let them know your not just going to accept "sit back down and die" as an answer. A lot of lawyers in this sort of situation will be willing to engage in a "pay-only-if-won" case basis; especially because they can probably get you punitive damages for the time you have been suffering while the system failed you.

This is your right; you paid for this system, and now it has left you to rot. Don't let that happen!

There are lawyers who specialize in SSDI disputes. That's all they do. They will take your case on a contingency basis and will only take a percentage of the SSDI payments if the case is won. It may be worthwhile to check this out if all else fails.

It took me almost 2 years to get my ssdi. Get a lawyer who specializes in disability cases. Find the best one you can. After 2 years of getting nowhere, I hired a lawyer. A month later, I was granted my ssdi and my health isn't as bad as yours. Keep fighting and don't give up. Disability lawyers only get paid if they win your case. Your SSDI benefits are retroactive to the time you first applied. IF you win, your lawyer receives 25% of your retroactive benefits. Let's say that you applied 2 years ago and your monthly benefit averaged $1000, depending on your previous income and number of years worked. Your retroactive award would be $24,000 minus the 25% ($6000) for the lawyer. You would get $18,000 up front, monthly checks and medicare. Good luck!

That's the really sad thing. I've had a lawyer since I FIRST filed 3 years ago. Now that its at the District Court level, he had to hand it over to another firm. I've got serious BIG GUNS working for me now. Colorado BLVD in Pasadena, is where the "winners" reside. She received her law degree from Cal Hastings back in the 70s and then got another degree from Berkely. She's recognized to represent all the way up to the SCOTUS, since like '93. She's also a full partner, in the firm.

Lot of good things have happened over the last few days. But next Tuesday is when I meet her. I'm feeling pretty confident atthis point. Especially considering my VA doctor gave me a letter today, finally just spelling out to these idiots, "look... he should be DEAD. He's NOT. However, his body is in no way shape or form, in condition to work, nor will it EVER be." 3 years its taken me to get ONE doctor to just make that simple @#$%ing statement.

That's the really sad thing. I've had a lawyer since I FIRST filed 3 years ago. Now that its at the District Court level, he had to hand it over to another firm. I've got serious BIG GUNS working for me now. Colorado BLVD in Pasadena, is where the "winners" reside. She received her law degree from Cal Hastings back in the 70s and then got another degree from Berkely. She's recognized to represent all the way up to the SCOTUS, since like '93. She's also a full partner, in the firm.

Lot of good things have happened over the last few days. But next Tuesday is when I meet her. I'm feeling pretty confident atthis point. Especially considering my VA doctor gave me a letter today, finally just spelling out to these idiots, "look... he should be DEAD. He's NOT. However, his body is in no way shape or form, in condition to work, nor will it EVER be." 3 years its taken me to get ONE doctor to just make that simple @#$%ing statement.

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Sorry to hear all that shit bro,seems sometimes those who NEED a little help take a backseat to those who are just trying to "beat the system" for some extra money.
When I got out of the service I had the same experience. It took a half-dozen attempts and a LOT of legal advise but in the end it went through. One thing I know,from my own exp. as well as those of friends,dont stop trying....ever.
Maybe now that craziness of the election is over you'll have better luck.
I am a firm believer that Good Things Happen to Good People. Never stop fighting bro,they cant ignore the facts forever!
We're all pulling for you man!
Keep your chin up and NEVER QUIT!

Yeah well, they're going to get a very rude wake-up call. I am in the process of collecting letters from doctors, basically stating they are idiots for denying my claim. The idiots at SSDI, take "no further repair was done", to mean I'm "stable". No... it just means they can't repair it any further. They actually do say that... but because they don't say in a CT Scan, that someone is terminal... they can't put 2 and 2 together.

I literally had a CT Tech, go running out of the room one time, because when my picture came up, she thought I was dying on the table. Seriously. Got a big laugh. But, no one told her why I was there, or the extent of the damage. I've had doctors tell me, that if it weren't for the fact I was standing in front of them, looking perfectly normal... they would have called for emergency services, after seeing the ultrasound on my neck.

Its just a matter of getting idiot bureaucrats, to see the truth, right in front of them. My last denial, was a form letter. They didn't even review my case. They see 45 yo male and just blow right past me.

Thanks for the support, prayers and well-wishes. It truly has helped. I felt it as soon after I asked people. I felt the burden lighten a little, as if a whole bunch of hands are helping me support this weight. But, yeah... Now I'm pissed and focused.

You give them hell cause it seems like the fakers get it no problem. It is only hard for the real disabled. Just like all the fake people parking in handicapped spots and I need it to load and unload ugh.

You give them hell cause it seems like the fakers get it no problem. It is only hard for the real disabled. Just like all the fake people parking in handicapped spots and I need it to load and unload ugh.

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You wouldn't believe how many times I have been in my wheelchair, in the women's public bathroom waiting for the handicapped stall. People that have no disability at all, stay in there forever it seems, while every other stall is empty. I have even knocked on the door when I noticed they were screwing around, and said, "I'm in a wheelchair and need to go to the bathroom. Do you think you could come out and use one of the other non handicapped stalls, please, since you're not handicapped?" I try to be nice, but it really pisses me off.

You wouldn't believe how many times I have been in my wheelchair, in the women's public bathroom waiting for the handicapped stall. People that have no disability at all, stay in there forever it seems, while every other stall is empty. I have even knocked on the door when I noticed they were screwing around, and said, "I'm in a wheelchair and need to go to the bathroom. Do you think you could come out and use one of the other non handicapped stalls, please, since you're not handicapped?" I try to be nice, but it really pisses me off.

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That is truly @$&#ed up. I've had others tell me I should take advantage of my health status and get the placards and all. My point is, why? The exercise its good for me. I'm not disabled that way, nor would I think of using it.

But yet there's people out there, that don't have a damn thing wrong with them, all too happy to put others out, that need the services. More people need to take a position and straighten out this attitude we've been infected with.

I could tell you stories as Vicki did but it isn't worth it cause it stresses me out. I do laugh when people with placards have real estate, handyman and other things like that on there car with those magnet things. Gee if you are disabled you can't be in those fields unless you are an office worker but then it wouldn't be on your car. Stepping off my soap box now cause only have half a wheel on anyhow.

I definitely get the disabled parking permit, however, if I am having a good day and feel I can walk a little, I will park in a regular space. I usually only go to COSTCO so . . .

BDV . . . you know I luv ya, and that I've been where you are, suing the government to get what you derserve. It sucks for several reasons. One is the landscape is changing so rapidly on this deal because of the $$$. The Feds are BLEEDING $$$ and are scrambling to plug any and all leaks. This has shown up in the SSDI approval process starting quite a while back, it just seems to keep getting worse. I'm glad it seems you have the lawyer and Doc letters/documentation coming in for your case, I'm surprised your council hadn't already accomplished this task. You MUST have everything laid out step by step when you go to trial. There can be no "inferences" or "they will add it ups" . . if so, they are just going to reject you on the first excuse they can get.

Question: Are you prescribed opiates? Hopefully in large amounts? It was this fact that was very important for me because you see, no business can hire an employee, and have them properly insured, if they have to take large doses of narcotics all day long while they are doing whatever menial labor or whatever it is "they" think you should be doing . . .

So I'm getting together my stuff, plus some new letters form doctors, spelling it out for the idiots at SSDI. Dumped the doctor, that was my main impediment, after he refused to even cop to, my blood pressure hasn't ever "been under control" as he so often states. My condition also ISN'T stable as CT Scans, clearly show the tear in my aorta has grown almost a foot (from my kidneys to my femoral arteries), since my surgery. That is NOT keeping my condition, "under control". He got indignant, when I called him on his oath. He knew damn well, right then and there... I was right. That's when he escorted me, out the door. So tired of panty-waist doctors, to scared to not even stick their neck out... but just to fucking help someone out. Screw that insensitive jackass. Never really liked him anyways. Fucker couldn't listen to you, for more than 10 seconds, before he would cut you off and 9 times out of 10, information I brought back from experts in their fields, I don't think he even fucking read the shit.

I've pretty much had it with idiots. I'm taking names, noting their colossal fuck-ups and inability to read reports. I've already started the refile process... just getting the last few things in order.

Damn BVD now you sound bitter and hateful like me. I am so sorry to hear that your doctor isn't on your side. I hope this all works out for you soon. You need a doctor that will work with you in getting things done even if you dump them after you win. You don't need a good doctor just a compassionate one which will also be hard to find. (((BVD)))

Hi Big Daddy Vapor:
So sorry you are going through so much with your SSD application. I won mine several years ago, but it was a long long stressful process. The one thing right I did was use an attorney that specialized in Soc. Sec. Disability cases. They know a lot of stuff that the lay person cannot begin to understand...like the "grid" system (applies to physical disabilities for people older than 50). They even sent me to one of their docs to get the proper info on my medical issues for Soc. Sec. Eventually I was seen by a judge and was given a favorable decision. Only after I got 2 and a half years of back Soc. Sec. benefits all at once, did I need to pay the attorneys. And if you lose, the attorneys get NADA. It was the best money I ever spent! Initially I had tried to do the application process myself. Bad idea, at least for me.
Wishing you all the best!
Cheers

I've had an attorney for the entire process. While we did the filing, he's been handling it, since the 1st denial. Their firm is very respected, unfortunately... the guy who earned that rep is too long in the tooth. He's the one that also royally @#$%ed up my work comp case and why I'm fighting for peanuts over that.

After I got the hearing denial (I knew the judge was going to deny me, from the moment I saw him. After near-death, I see things differently. I can read people. Auras? I don't know wtf it is, I don't see anything around them, just a reaction I get... but its accurate as Hell), my attorney assured me, it would be rectified at the Fed level. He couldn't do that either. Denied. So basically... I then went into limbo.

Luckily, my inept attorney can't do district cases. My new attorney can take cases before SCOTUS. As she said... "You have to write these, as if the highest level education that is going to see/read/interpret, is High School." They're bureaucrats. End result, is the idiot had to give up the case, he doesn't get @#$% now.